25/07/2024
Dear Rascal Community,
Thank you for all the love, support, and heartfelt notes you have sent as we grapple with the tremendous loss of Vicki's mom, Marilyn. Marilyn was an enthusiastic supporter of Rascal Ranch; little brought her more joy or pride than seeing the haven that Vicki had created for the Rascals. As entrepreneurs themselves, Marilyn and Vicki's dad, Bill, set the example that gave Vicki the courage to strike out on her own and build what is now Rascal Ranch. The Ranch goes dark today, as we honor and recognize the extraordinary woman that Marilyn was, and support the husband she leaves behind and the 3 amazing adults that she and Bill raised.
Obituary
Marilyn Gail Stephens, cherished wife, devoted mother and adoring grandmother, passed away on July 17, 2024. She left us at the ripe and golden age of 78 on an unseasonably clear and beautiful July afternoon in San Francisco, the city where she was born and raised.
Born to Lorene and Edward Hammer on December 26, 1945, Marilyn grew up with her younger sister, Carilyn in a loving household in the Sunset district. After graduating from Lincoln High School, she earned her Associate of Arts degree in English from the City College of San Francisco.
Her life changed forever in 1963, when she met the love of her life and best friend, Bill Stephens, to whom she was married for over 56 years. They were married in San Francisco on May 18, 1968, five years to the day after they first met on a blind date. She not only found her soulmate, but she was embraced and enveloped by Bill's force of nature family. With most of Marilyn's extended family rooted in St. Louis, MO, she wrapped herself in the warm blanket of Stephens family gatherings and traditions for the rest of her life. Six months after their wedding she and Bill embarked on the first of many life adventures, quitting their jobs in the city for a six-month odyssey across Europe. It was the beginning of Bill and Marilyn 'doing things their own way' and enjoying every minute of it.
She and Bill started their family in San Francisco in 1970, but migrated to the 'burbs of Belmont in 1975, where they raised their three children, John (53), Lori (51) and Vicki (47). A devout Catholic since entering the faith in 1980, she was committed to her kids' education, spiritual growth and youth activities. No swim lesson was too early, no Little League game too windy, no Christmas Mass too crowded, no ice skating competition too far and no tennis match was too long for Marilyn not to be there. Her life's work was her family, the beating heart and driving force behind virtually every moment of consequence, from being at her children's side for broken bones and ear surgeries to planning overly ambitious family vacations, surprise trips to Disneyland and hosting epic 49ers watch parties for what seemed to be the entire town of Belmont. While managing the incessant and frequent kid activities, she and Bill steadfastly adhered to their strict Saturday night date night policy throughout their marriage. Time for themselves, every Saturday, whether it was a night in The City, bridge club, dinner parties or setting up shop at the Iron Gate restaurant in Belmont, where they eventually knew the owner and every waiter, bartender and busboy on a first name basis.
Once her children moved on to adulthood, and Bill sold his business in 1997, the couple that does things their own way began to venture out of their the empty nest to find new experiences together; road trips to their favorite cities across the US, weekends in Las Vegas, or setting sail on wild cruise vacations in the Mediterranean or through the Panama Canal (all planned by Marilyn). One of their grandest adventures started in 2003, when they left their native Bay Area and forged a new life of semi-retirement and social butterflying in Austin, TX. Making fast friends and enjoying new life experiences came easy to Marilyn, who eventually became president of the Austin Newcomers Club. We imagine a conversation between Marilyn and a fresh transplant to Austin to have gone something like this, "Hi! Welcome to Austin, I'm Marilyn. Here's a list of 200 things you can do this month to have a blast. If you have any questions, call, text or e-mail me anytime and you should come over to our house for a cocktail." And moving to Austin was no geographic fluke. With kids and grandkids living on opposite ends of the country (San Francisco and Boston), Marilyn positioned herself and Bill squarely in the middle, reminding everyone of the exact distance, schedules and flight time to Austin. Hosting and entertaining her grandchildren in central Texas became one of the great joys of her life, and the grandchildren knew any trip to visit Grandma was something akin to a weekend in Kid Vegas.
She and Bill eventually rotated back to California in 2018, settling down in Lincoln, CA, closer to family and friends in the Bay Area. While their Texas adventure was fun and rewarding, Marilyn relished the chance to be an easy drive away from many of the folks who mattered most in her life.
On July 17, 2024, she left us too soon, and the unexpected nature of the end came as a shock to all who loved her. But we don't dwell on the end. Her friends and family have a lifetime of memories and moments with a woman who uncompromisingly enjoyed everything that life could offer. Her kindness, generosity, creativity, sense of humor, commitment to family and undying love for her husband left a mark on all of us. To this, we raise and glass and say well done, Marilyn. You'll be missed every day, but your spirit endures.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Lorene and Edward Hammer. She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Bill Stephens, and her three children John (Lisle), Lori Mitchell (Brad) and Vicki (Katie). She welcomed her daughters-in-law, Lisle and Katie, and son-in-law Brad as if they were her own. She will also be missed by her three grandchildren Kieran, Molly and Finn. She is also survived by younger sister Carilyn, her dear cousin, Carol Drury and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved dearly.
Visitation will be held from 5pm to 8pm, with a rosary at 7:00p on Wednesday, July 24 at Crippen & Flynn Carlmont Chapel in Belmont. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Belmont at Noon on Thursday, July 25. A reception will follow at Twin Pines Arts Center in Belmont.